Friday, June 18, 2010

Providence - 5 Course Tasting for 2010! (Los Angeles)

It looks like this will be a my 2nd post in a 4 part Providence series, and while the iron is hot, I'll go over what diners might expect in their 2010 Anniversary 5 course tasting menu for $65.

As I mentioned my previous post, Providence is headed by Chef and Owner Michael Cimarusti who specializes in preparing elegant, yet delicious seafood dishes. While I wasn't "wowed" by my visit last year for their full tasting, I was excited to try Providence again with Diana of DianaTakesaBite.

Aviation

While going over the menu, I started off with a gin based cocktail called The Aviation. The drink has a nice bite, yet still refreshing. It went pretty well with the upcoming tasting menu.

Trio of Amuse Bouche

Cured Trout - Trout Roe, Wasabi Marshmallow, Japanese Crackers

"Gin & Tonic"

"Margarita"

The trio were all refreshing and delicious, though my favorite has to be the cured trout with trout roe and a wasabi marshmallow. It was simple, yet flavorful and delicious. The "Gin and Tonic" I had previous on my last trip and the flavors are activated by a squeeze of the lime. It was icy and intense. Finally, I've had the liquid sphere on all my trips to Providence, so this was no exception. However, I've had the Greyhound and Mojito previously, and this was my first taste of the "Margarita." It definitely have the taste of tequila present in the sphere. Very nice!

We started off with the same starter as last time, the kanpachi sashimi. I appreciated the freshness of the fish used, and like last time, I enjoyed the texture contrast of the rice crackers and the creamy finish of the creme fraiche. The slices of fish were cut thick which I enjoyed, though Diana didn't like the texture as much as I did.

Hokkaido Scallops - Japanese eggplant, ramps, reduction of vadouvan and sauternes, and cashews

Although I liked the preparation of the scallops on my previous visit, I thought this time was event better. I enjoyed the eggplant compliment and the creaminess of the sauce. The cashews added a nice texture contrast to the scallops. As always, the scallops was cooked to perfection!

Pulling a page out of kevinEat's repertoire, we added this supplemental dish, the Spaghetti alla Chitarra. Knowing that we were sharing, they split the dish nicely for us and each plate was filled with ample amount of pasta, spot prawns and sea urchin. I really enjoyed the taste of the sea urchin in the pasta and the sweetness from the prawns. Also, for those people that don't want to pay top dollars for a sea urchin pasta, I'd recommend visiting Spoon House in Gardena. That's where I usually get my Japanese style sea urchin spaghetti.

Even though I dislike olives and was slightly worried the inclusion of it in this dish, it wasn't a big issue. The halibut was cooked well and the squash and the basil I loved as the compliments to the halibut. I liked this much better than the halibut dish from last year.

After not being a fan of the veal and seeing it on the menu, Diana and I both asked for a substitution, and I'm glad we did. This was probably my favorite dish of the night. First, I enjoyed the fish with a well cooked, crispy skin, yet the fish itself is flaky and tender. In addition, I loved the use of the peas to bring out more sweetness from the fish itself, while the mushroom added a nice woody taste. The balsamic glaze added a nice flavor contrast to the sea bass, as well as the sweet peas. All in all, a winner!

Yuzu Curd - meringue, blackberry sorbet and jasmine

Eating this dessert really makes me want to return for Providence's 8 course dessert tasting. I really loved the tart flavors in this particular dessert. The blackberry/jasmine sorbet was fantastic, and the yuzu curd really put a nice ending to the meal. One of my favorites I've had here.

Mignardises

Finally, a trio of sweets to cap the night off. A pistachio nougat, white chocolate macaron, and a spiced chocolate marshmallow. All three were quite nice, but my favorite in the group was the macaron, though I seem to like any macaron I eat.

Providence

All in all, it was a fantastic meal, much better than I had expected going in. Although I enjoyed Providence on my previous visits, this was probably my best dinner experience yet. The 5 course dinner special is a great deal at $65, especially for the caliber of food being served. Although my next trip will be for the 8 course dessert tasting, I can definitely see myself coming back for another full tasting at Providence. You'll have until the end of June to take advantage of their 5 year anniversary special, so it's definitely worth the money and your time. Do it!

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Just an average Joe trying to find the best eats in town and anywhere else he finds himself at.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at: kungfoodpanda88@gmail.com Would love to hear from you!